Sulakkarai Nagaamman Temple, Virudhunagar

Address

Sulakkarai village,

Virudhunagar District,

Tamilnadu – 626003.

Amman

Nagamman

Introduction

Location: Located within the Veeraperumal temple complex, Sulakkarai village, near Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, India
Deity: Goddess Nagammal
Age: Estimated to be between 500–1000 years old

Puranic Significance

The legend of Nagamman Temple traces back approximately 400 years to the village of Sulakkarai, where a man named Muneeswaran Aasari married his niece, Mariamma. When Mariamma was seven months pregnant, Muneeswaran encountered a cobra while working in the fields. Acting impulsively, he struck the snake with a scythe, cutting it in half. Shortly after, Mariamma gave birth to a daughter with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a snake—a sign of the curse from the slain cobra. Muneeswaran later confessed to his wife and family about the act that led to this strange birth.

On the 41st day after the child’s birth, Muneeswaran was bitten by a cobra and died. Mariamma’s relatives, considering the snake child a bad omen, mercilessly killed it and buried the remains in a dried field. Distraught, Nagammal searched for her child, and upon learning of its death, went to the Veeraperumal Temple at the village outskirts, where she died in grief. This led to a period of misfortune for the village, marked by a drought and a rise in snakebite deaths.

In an effort to appease her spirit, the villagers constructed a temple at the location where she died, placing a statue of Nagammal holding a baby snake. They performed prayers, and the adverse effects, including Naga Dosha (a curse believed to be caused by harming snakes), were relieved.

Beliefs and Worship

Healing Powers: Devotees believe that worshiping Nagammal at this temple can cure various ailments, bring peace, and bestow prosperity.
Relief from Doshas: Many visit the temple seeking relief from Puthra Dosha (obstacles in bearing children) and Naga Dosha, due to the temple’s unique association with the snake goddess.

Festivals and Rituals

Mahashivaratri: The main festival celebrated at the temple, where devotees gather to perform special pujas and seek blessings for relief from doshas and fulfillment of their wishes.